Forest Gate and Chatsworth resident steering group

The Resident Steering Group (RSG) is an open forum for Council tenants and leaseholders who live in the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) area. Anyone is welcome to attend our meetings that are held fortnightly at the Newham Homes offices, Romford Road, Forest Gate.

Who we are:

The RSG was originally constituted in April 2001 and was reformed early in 2007 when the Council had received the money needed from the Government to continue with the PFI in Forest Gate.

We wanted to be part of the RSG because:

• We want to have a say in how the area would be run
• We believe that the regeneration of the local area can only bring about positive benefits
• We wanted to have a say on what services we would get and who would provide them
• We want our views and opinions taken into account when decisions are made that will shape the future of residents on the Forest Gate Chatsworth Estate PFI area.
• In other words we want a say in shaping our future

We have been recognised by the council, and work closely with them by sharing our views and making sure that these are taken into account when they make decisions. We also have a say in the selection of contractors including being part of the team evaluating the contractors' bids.

Why we got involved:

"Your future about where you live is in your own hands. Come to the PFI meetings and learn about it." Dick Sicklemore, RSG member.

How we work with DOME consultants:
DOME consultants are our independent residents advisors.

• They work with and for all the PFI Residents
• They provide us with independent impartial advice
• They act as our advocate
• They organise and facilitate meetings by tacking our minutes etc.
• They steer us in the right direction
• They try to make sure that all the PFI residents are informed about the PFI by sending out our newsletter, holding public meetings, holding study visits, and by visiting people in their homes
• They also provide a Freephone service: 0800 919994
  

What we have achieved so far:

We have:

• Been involved in the various stages of the PFI process
• Studied Council PFI publications including the Outline Business Case and the Invitation to Negotiate
• Received training
• Received briefing sessions from both financial and legal experts
• Helped to select shortlists of contractors
• Been actively involved in reviewing service standards
• Actively participated in open meetings
• Met with other PFI residents
• Attended a study visit at a Manchester PFI scheme
• Forged links with the Canning Town and Custom House PFI RSG
• Conducted a priorities survey of all residents in the PFI area
• Held open days where people could find out more about the PFI
• Met with local community groups where we provided information about the PFI
• Visited estates currently managed by bidding contractors to evaluate how well they provided services such as caretaking
• Ensured that everyone has an opportunity to get involved

What we plan to do next

We aim to:

• Still meet regularly - we enjoy meetings and believe we do a good job, get taken seriously by the council and are making a difference.
• Continue to build links with community groups that provide services in the area.

Your priorities:

Some of our PFI residents took the opportunity to meet with DOME, the Council and Newham Homes at an open event on March 24 at St James Junior School.

At this event we also took the opportunity to find out what your priorities were and ended up with a long list by the end of the day.

Here are the main things that people wanted from environmental improvements:

• Security including CCTV, door entry & lighting
• Boundary fencing or walls
• Derelict garages
• Derelict pramsheds
• Parking
• Play areas

You also wanted the PFI contractor to:

• Improve facilities for children and youths
• Tackle antisocial behaviour, particularly drugs, prostitution, vandalism and noise
• Improve security both in individual homes and on the estate
• Tackle rubbish problems
• Improve the caretaking service
• Consider the cost of leaseholder service charges
• Improve the environment, especially poor lighting, dangerous pavements and parking
• Improve the repairs service
• Improve the phone system
  

We have used this information in our discussions with the bidders. Of course if you want to let us know about your priorities then please contact DOME on the Freephone number: 0800 919994

Interested in coming along and meeting us?

We meet regularly every other Monday at 6.30pm at the Newham Homes offices on Romford Road. Please contact DOME consultants on the Freephone number 0800: 919994 to find out the date of the next meeting.